Is the Tour de France Ready For a Change?

Change is needed when current measures are no more showing affect. Change is also needed when there is a continuous unsatisfying situation. Change also requires a first step. The first step is often set by a leader. A leader who is willing to change the situation, or at least who is willing to set a first step.

In this case the step is to dismiss a participant even before he is found guilty of doping.

In case of the Tour it is the team (and the sponsor) who took a leadership decision. The Rabobank team decided to dismiss Michael Rasmussen, the so-far tour-leader who didnt show up for random doping controls and didnt tell the truth about his whereabouts. It is against the rules. But that has not influenced too much the decision of the Sponsor.

A bank must show integrity, but in this case the decision is more about influencing the tour-culture by a sponsor. The tour-culture is hard heading to become a doping theatre rather than a sporting event. This shows that sponsorship is not without risks: publicity around Michael lately was bad publicity for the sponsor.

Last years tour trivial pursuit - who won the tour the france in 2006, (1) -- has still no official winner. And that is probably what the Rabobank wanted to avoid. By taking this decision the sponsor influences very much the tour as an important stakeholder. All the more reasons that they shouldnt stop sponsoring the tour, especially after such a tough measure. It expresses another message to future team members: this is a team effort and we dont want individuals spoil this. The signal of the dismissal needs no interpretation: we want you to follow the rules, and this still includes no doping or not showing up when asked.

Only such measures will help survive a sporting event with this proportions.

1 - http://ezinearticles.com/?Trivial-Pursuit---Who-Won-the-Tour-The-France-2006?&id=275064

2007 Hans Bool

Hans Bool writes articles about management, culture and change. If you are interested to read or experience more about these topics have a look at: Astor White or sign-up for our newsletter.